Help deciding between Stanford, Brown, Yale, and Princeton (Early Admission)

<p>Hi all, </p>

<p>I'm new here and figured I might as well try my luck seeing what others’ opinions are on my situation. I would especially really appreciate any advice given by alums or undergraduates of the schools that I'm debating between. First, let me tell you what they are:</p>

<p>Tied for 1st & 2nd spot: Stanford and Brown</p>

<p>Really close tie for 3rd & 4th spot: Yale and Princeton</p>

<p>I’m basing these choices on the feel I got visiting campuses and the classes and programs the schools offer, among other things. I have a little bit of time now, and I'm slightly strung out deciding which school I want to apply early to. I also want to consider which schools I’d have a better shot at, since they are all so close and I would be thrilled to get into any of them.</p>

<p>For those of you willing to read, let me go a bit more in-depth regarding my circumstances. Beginning at the end of sophomore year lasting until the middle of junior year, I developed an autonomic neuropathy. Things that were supposed to work automatically, like heart rate, blood pressure, circadian rhythm, and digestion, didn't work. I had constant pain, couldn’t sleep except for every 4th night for a few hours, and could not attend school, though I kept working on a few classes at home. As this came on, my grades slid to B's and C's. </p>

<p>However, as things started improve, I kicked some butt getting back into school the second half of my junior year. I took challenging courses and have been getting straight A's since being sick. I got a 5 on the AP Euro test, took 4 classes over the summer to finish catching up (including two from our local state college, North Dakota State University), and volunteered at our U.S. Representative’s office and at a pharmacy lab doing research on colon cancer. I got a 32 on the ACT, low 700s on the SAT sections, and will take three SAT subject tests in October (I know these scores aren’t as good as some I’ve seen posted here, but they are good for my area and school). I am taking 4 AP's now (senior year) in addition to music and language. I feel I've challenged myself based on what my school has to offer and come out strong. I’m also heavily involved in music activities, both at school and in my community. </p>

<p>Now back to the main goal, colleges. I love both Stanford and Brown, but really like Yale and Princeton too. Stanford and Brown are essentially even, followed closely by a tie between Yale and Princeton. I am just slightly more inclined towards Stanford, but I have a sister at Brown and another sister at Yale (might help admissions). </p>

<p>I am interested in Business, Entrepreneurship, Engineering, and Politics. But really, I have no idea. It’s important to me that the school I go to has a wide variety of opportunities open to me, so that I can experiment until I’m sure of my major. I really want to go to a school where the professors actively engage students, there are many class discussions, and I could go out to coffee and talk over material with a professor. Additionally, I hope to join a fencing and rowing club and play water polo. </p>

<p>I would be so appreciative if any of you guys would give your two cents on this, especially if you’ve attended any of these schools. In deciding where to apply early and have the best chances, I can use all the help I can get.</p>

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<p>Well, Stanford has SCEA while Brown has ED. Stanford’s known to be notoriously selective even in the EA round because unlike many other schools, they reject more early applicants than they defer. As in, they won’t defer someone just to be nice. Also Yale has SCEA and Princeton does not have early admission. </p>

<p>With this information, I’d say:
If you want a shot at all your schools and financial aid is important, go with Stanford SCEA.
If you want to maximize your shot at one of your favorite schools go with Brown ED.</p>